80,000! This is teh number of advent calendars that Bastien Jacquet should sell at the end of the year. The idea of this passionate butcher? Place tasty mini sausages in place of the chocolates.
The day we came to Bastien Jacquet’s butcher’s shop, December 11, we came across… Basil! But in the 24 days that separate December 1st from Christmas Eve, we could have discovered 10 different flavors.
“You will have plain, chilli, ouch smoked, green olives, basil, chorizo, curry, Comté and truffle.” explains Bastien Jacquet, artisan butcher for the Gautier house in Reims.
In total, between 32 and 40 mini-sausages, depending on the calendar model that had to be found and produced in the north of France.
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French Butcher’s Calendar a Surprising Success Amidst Economic Challenges
A French butcher, Bastien Jacquet, and his brothers have found unexpected success with a calendar featuring nude male models posing with cuts of meat. What began as a small venture of 300 copies five years ago has grown to a print run of 80,000, providing a vital boost to their business in a challenging economic climate.
A creative Solution to Economic Headwinds
The French butchery industry, like many others, is facing increasing economic pressures. Rising prices and changing consumer habits – specifically a decrease in meat consumption – are impacting businesses. jacquet explains, “Prices are increasing, people are eating less and less meat, it’s much harder for butchers. Fortunately we make calendars. We make side plans like that, to be able to maintain the butcheries and be able to develop other things.” [https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20231213-french-butcher-s-nude-calendar-a-hit-amid-economic-woes]
The calendar, featuring professional models photographed with meat products, has become a popular end-of-year item, helping to offset the difficulties faced by conventional butcher shops. as of December 2023, Jacquet reported having only around twenty calendars remaining in stock.
From Humble Beginnings to National Phenomenon
The initial idea, conceived five years ago, was a gamble. However, the calendar quickly gained traction, demonstrating a demand for unique and attention-grabbing products. The success has allowed Jacquet and his brothers to not only sustain their existing butcheries but also explore opportunities for further business progress.
The Appeal of the Calendar
The calendar’s popularity likely stems from a combination of factors.It offers a playful and unconventional approach to marketing, generating meaningful media attention and social media buzz. The striking imagery and unexpected pairing of nude models with meat products create a memorable and shareable product.The calendar is produced by FTV (French Television) and photographed by Céline Lang. [https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20231213-french-butcher-s-nude-calendar-a-hit-amid-economic-woes]
key Takeaways:
* A French butcher’s calendar featuring nude models has become a surprising success.
* The calendar provides a crucial revenue stream for the business amidst economic challenges in the meat industry.
* What started as a 300-copy print run has grown to 80,000 copies.
* The success highlights the importance of innovative marketing strategies for small businesses.
Worth a look